Fest augmentation

Photograph: Courtesy Of Comedy Central (left)

THE OLD
Everyone’s favorite TV night owl, Dave Attell, is starting to get on in years, but he’s still ready to party with the kids at Carolines. 1626 Broadway between 49th and 50th Sts (212-757-4100, carolines.com). Fri 26–Tue 30 8, 10:30pm; $41.75.

THE NEW
Anderson Cooper–loving musical comedian Ben Lerman brings his particular brand of melodic yuks to Comix for “Lerman Holiday.” 353 W 14th St between Eighth and Ninth Aves (212-524-2500, comixny.com). Tue 23 at 8pm; $20, advance $15.

THE OLD
A jacket is required at the swank Rainbow Room, a place where richer people than us can cruise in on Christmas Day for the Grand Holiday Buffet. 30 Rockefeller Plaza between Fifth and Sixth Aves, 65th floor (212-632-5100, rainbowroom.com). Thu 25, reservations available noon–7pm. $200.

THE NEW
Beginning Saturday 20, folks at the Edison Ballroom will be cutting rugs and taking names as George Gee and his 22-piece Make-Believe Ballroom Orchestra star in Sleigh Bells Swing, a hep holiday musical production that includes dancing and a four-course dinner. 240 W 47th St between Broadway and Eighth Ave (212-201-7650, edisonballroom.com). Sat 20–Jan 3 at 7pm, $190.

THE OLD
Giving change to the Salvation Army guys ringing bells on our street corners is a time-honored New York tradition. Just make sure you save some for the mariachi band on the train ride home. (salvationarmyusa.org)

THE NEW
Graffiti artist collective Smart Crew USA is setting up donation boxes at various locations in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens, and giving out limited-edition gift vouchers/postcards by way of recompense (ask nicely and maybe they’ll tag up your snowman). Donate anything from canned food to video games to fancy hats; all donations will be given to charitiesof the crew’s choice. (smart-crew.com/smartcares.html)

THE OLD
At St. John the Divine (as opposed to the little-known St. John the Flatulent), recognize the union of pagan and Christian with Paul Winter’s 29th Annual Winter Solstice Celebration. This musical event features the return of the newly restored Great Organ, making its first appearance since a fire at the cathedral seven years ago. 1047 Amsterdam Ave at 112th St (212-316-7490, stjohndivine.org). Thu 18, Fri 19 at 8pm; Sat 20 at 2, 8pm. $35–$75.

THE NEW
New York Mets general manager Omar Minaya gives an impassioned reading of “The Night Before Christmas” at the Church of the Intercession. While we’re all there, let’s ask him to pray for a decent bull pen for next season. 550 W 155th St at Broadway, (212-283-6200, intercessionnyc.dioceseny.org). Sun 21 at 4pm, free.

NEXT: White Christmas vs. holiday "cheerotica" »

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